This is a stunning and rare Marcello Fantoni vase, made in Florence, Italy circa 1950s.

So characteristic of his work, with a highly stylised sgraffito Cubist horned figure very similar to his iconic ‘Satiro Innamorato’ sculptures, possibly representing a satyr or the Greek God Pan. With multicoloured glossy glazes against an unusual matte black base on a classic baluster form, with a contrasting bright blue glazed interior.

The vase has a handpainted mark to the base ‘Fantoni Italy, with the ‘Duomo’ symbol based on Florence’s Cathedral’s dome.

A great addition to any collection of Fantoni, Italian or European fine art ceramics or 20th century design. Would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, 1950s, 1960s, minimalist or contemporary interior.

Measures 20.5 x 8 x 8cm / 8.25 x 3.25 x 3.25in.

In excellent condition, no chips, cracks or crazing.

Marcello Fantoni was one of the greatest ceramicists and designers of the 20th century, his pieces were influenced by ancient Etruscan ceramics, and by contemporary modern artists of the mid century era. Incorporating elements of Modernism, Cubism and abstraction, this led to his pieces being included in collections of international Modern Art museums and galleries.

A fantastic design from this ‘copper art’ studio founded by Franco Bastianelli in Pesaro, Italy in 1958.

Stunning Italian modernist / brutalist style very reminiscent of the work of Curtis Jere and Marcello Fantoni during the mid century era.

The clock face is made of copper, with indentations and holes roughly hewn around the rim, embellished with shimmering fiery multicoloured enamelled glazes. In the middle are raised glassy droplets to roughly mark the time.

Fitted with a very reliable German Kienzle movement and lovely period brass hands.

Would make a prefect addition for any mid century, modernist, brutalist, 1950’s, 1960’s, vintage, retro or contemporary interior as a practical piece of wall art!

In excellent condition, a little crazing to the thick enamel as is common with these pieces, nothing to detract on display. In fully working order, keeping good time, takes one size C. 1.5V battery not included.

Measures 30 x 30 x 5.5cm / 12 x 12 x 2.25in.

Hand signed to the back with the artists name (indistinct) and partially under the mechanism.

This is a beautiful vase made by Volpi Deruta, Italy circa mid 1950’s.
A great rare and unusual piece from Maiolica Derutese Volpi, showcasing Serafino Volpi’s adventurous forms and decors.
Stunning form, so reminiscent of the era with its asymmetric, curving bud-like form inspired by nature.

The decor is superb, on a glossy white base are raised white dots, labour-intensively hand applied with a pump. These lay all over on top of bright multicoloured hand-painted starburst motifs. The interior contrasts eye poppingly with a bright glossy blue glaze!

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Italian, studio, European art pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1950’s, mid century, kitsch or contemporary interior.

Hand marked to the base ‘Foreign 4117/17’.

In excellent condition, no marks, chips or scratches, a couple of tiny burst bubbles in the glaze from production, nothing to detract on display.

These are a great pair of original genuine Danish Modern Teak trolls, ‘Optimist and Pessimist’ designed by Hans Bolling, and made by Orskov & Co. Denmark circa 1960’s.

A fantastic couple, comprising of the classic opposing character troll figurines the ‘Optimist’ and ‘Pessimist’. Both made out of teak, with rope arms and rabbit fur hair and painted eyes. Designed by the renowned Danish architect Hans Bolling, famous for his iconic mid century wooden figures such as these.

Stunning mid century Danish modern design classic, so reminiscent of the era, their small size would make them perfect to accessorise and add some fun character to a desk, mantelpiece or shelf.

Would make a stunning addition to any Danish or Scandinavian Teak collection, and would complement any mid century modern, retro, vintage, 60’s, kitsch or contemporary styled interior.

In excellent condition, some thinning and age showing to the rabbit fur hair, nothing to detract on display, the wood has a lovely patina

This is a stunning Smalandshyttan art glass vase, designed by Josef Schott, Sweden circa 1960’s.

A fantastic space age design by one of the smaller lesser known glass factories in the province of Smaland, the glassmaking centre of Sweden. In operation from 1947-76, Czech born Schott was their head designer.
This vase is typical of his 1960’s output, with the complex moulded abstract geometric design. The relief pattern is different on all 4 sides and the raised forms and the thick indigo blue cased sommerso glass catch the light beautifully.

Resembling a Modernist building or spaceship, very reminiscent of the mid century era, cutting edge Scandinavian design that still looks fresh and futuristic now!

A great piece of Scandinavian art glass that makes a sculptural statement piece in its own right, sculptural and imposing, also perfect as a practical vase, or as a desk accessory.

This is a stunning mid century plate / bowl / dish in the ‘Venezia’ decor by Walther Conradt for Gebruder Conradt, West Germany circa 1950’s, form no. ’15/2′.

A fantastic design, a shallow bowl / plate with a sloping sides and a rough ovoid shape. With a very graphic decor ‘Venezia’ that is so reminiscent of the 1950’s era. A glossy black base is hand decorated with deep incised lines and filled in with vivid glossy colours in red, yellow and turquoise, geometric, abstract and reflecting trends in Modern art and design in the 1950’s. The underneath is also glossily glazed in turquoise blue.

A wonderful rare piece by this smaller lesser known art pottery.

Perfect as a decorative display piece, as part of a grouping or to use on a desk, coffee / side table, sideboard or mantelpiece as a trinket / jewellery / pin dish, desk tidy, paperweight etc.

Would make a great addition to any collection of West German / studio / art pottery and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, minimalist or contemporary styled interior.

In great condition, no chips or cracks, there is some wear and light scratches to the glossy glazes in the bowl, and a couple of flakes of missing glaze on the rim, reflected in the price, and still displays well.

This is a stunning large vintage Bitossi Ceramiche pottery horse, made in Italy circa 1960’s.

A wonderful stylised form to this ‘Cavallo’ (Horse) sculpture, designed by Aldo Londi in 1963. Resembling ancient clay horses made in Greece, Rome or China, very solid and imposing in stature.

Beautifully detailed and decorated with impressed motifs and with a rough texture to the finish created using crushed granules in the clay, characteristic of Bitossi’s output and these techniques can be seen on the iconic ‘Rimini Blu’ pieces. Beautiful glossy layered mustard yellow glazes possibly a precursor to the ‘Sahara’ range, reminiscent of the sun and sand of the desert.

Would make a fantastic display piece, and would look great in any 60’s, 70’s, retro, vintage, mid century modern, modernist or contemporary interior. A great addition to any collection of Bitossi / Italian / European art pottery or 20th century design.

Unmarked to the base as is common with these pieces.

In great condition, no chips or cracks, there are a few small glaze flakes which have been previously coloured (see picture) could be painted over, do not detract overall.

Measures 32 x 29 x 12.5cm / 12.5 x 11.5 x 5in.

Overseas buyers please enquire about shipping costs, as this is a heavy item, weighing over 3kg, combined postage may be available.

This is a stunning and rare lidded ceramic box by Guido Gambone, Italy circa early 1950’s.

A beautiful piece by one of the greatest ceramic artists of the mid-20th century, showcasing his trademark style. Earthy glazes in brown, green and oatmeal tones are applied masterfully in thick layers, rough and shimmering from added sand and glass, giving an archaic primordial feel.

Lovely decor with the geometric pattern continuing and matching over the lid and sides of the box, the box has a simple rectangular lidded form, perfect for display or use on a desk, side table, mantelpiece etc.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Gambone / Italian / art pottery, 20th century art / design and would complement any retro, vintage, mid century, modernist, minimalist or contemporary styled interior.

Measures 14 x 10 x 8.5cm / 5.5 x 4 x 3.5in

Hand signed to the base with the hallmark painted donkey motif.

In excellent condition, the exterior and interior of the box is all perfect, the inner rim of the lid has a few glaze flakes and a couple of chips on the very inner rim, not noticeable and do not detract.

More photos are available on request, please enquire if you have any questions.

A wonderful handbuilt sculptural stoneware vase from this renowned potter. Either from his early pottery in London where he worked with Alan Wallwork or late 1960’s / early 1970’s when he was based in Swilland, Suffolk. A graduate of Goldsmiths College, he was also a lecturer there and at London University. His work was sculptural and handbuilt using coils and blocks, with organic natural earth tones and impressed, relief and carved abstract motifs.

This bulbous vase has a chunky cylindrical central section, with a small neck and a circular opening, which shows the hand made nature of construction with crimps and folds visible.

The sides have carved / impressed motifs of interlocking cogs / cartwheels, a stylised modernist brutalist feel, so reminiscent of the era. These are glazed in a rough matte reddish terracotta colour, against a backdrop of greys and browns with an ancient and mottled burnt appearance.

Has the ‘Rooke’ impressed mark to the top of one side.

Would make a fantastic addition to any collection of Bernard Rooke ceramics, British / European studio pottery, and would complement any retro, vintage, 1960’s, 1970’s, mid century, modernist, brutalist, minimalist or contemporary interior.

In excellent condition, no cracks or chips.

Measures 14 x 14 x 11cm / 5.5 x 5.5 x 4.5in.

I have lots more retro, vintage and collectable items in my shop, take a look around, I will always combine shipping when possible! http://etsy.me/1Kvcs3t

This is a great rattan / wicker monkey figure, country of origin unknown, circa 1950’s.

A wonderful cute character, a shelf sitting figure in a ‘speak no evil’ or just playful pose! Fantastic stylised monkey shape, so expressive and great detailing, all expertly woven out of rattan with the feet and hands made of canes wrapped round with flat palms. The orange face is made of rattan coated in plastic, with black bead eyes.

Very much in the style of Kay Bojesen’s and Walter Bosse’s mid century monkey / animal figures and would make a perfect addition to any such collection, or to sit on a Danish Modern / Eames era sideboard or shelves as a quirky fun piece of home decor!